A significant promotional campaign in today’s social media driven world requires ‘something extra special’ to really make it stand out from the crowd. With a range of online resources at our disposal, we should start ‘moving the box’ instead of thinking outside of it.

The Northampton Clown (Source: Mertro)

With the use of age old techniques such as newspaper/magazine advertising, flyer & leaflet drops, direct mail and the usual suspects, companies are being firmly left in dark. Thinking outside the box 5 years ago would have been achieved by creating a viral youtube video, running a unique facebook competition or dressing as a creepy clown to create an ongoing media frenzy with national coverage!

Today, these promotional techniques and publicity stunts are the norm for a company, event or product to be successful on a national or global scale. Take for example the viral video that everyone is currently talking about…

Devils Due, the sinister new horror film by 20th Century Fox has gained huge exposure worldwide with over 21 million youtube views since it was published on Tuesday (14th January). The video itself demonstrates how easily a budget viral video can be produced and provide a huge return. The video not only got us sharing and liking it across all forms of social media, but, got us talking to friends and family about it’s sheer hilarious nature.

So, getting back to the original point, now is the ideal time to start moving the box. Sticking to traditional promotional methods that work for your company is common sense. Deciding not to at least try some of the modern methods for your company is ignorant as much as it is stupid. Viral videos, unique Facebook promotions and similar ploys can be pulled off on little or no budget and provide (in some cases) an overwhelming response.